LACOE values and believes that every student, regardless of race, culture, gender, ethnicity, language, disability, family income, or zip code deserves to have access to a high-quality education that prepares them for a meaningful career, post-secondary learning, and engaged citizenship. Yet, we know that many of our students lag behind.

For decades, African American students have demonstrated lower performance on most measures of academic achievement and attainment; however, they have received little targeted and meaningful support. We seek to change that dynamic and provide schools and districts with relevant research, resources and promising practices that can enable them to make a significant impact on the lives and futures of African American students.

Access African American Learners Training and Community of Practice Sessions here.

Access the Curriculum & Instruction Professional Development Calendar

October 2023

Ethnic Studies Three-Day Fall Institute

• October 17 - 19, 2023
• 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Los Angeles County Office of Education Conference Center
• 12830 Columbia Way, Downey, CA

Schools and districts across Los Angeles County are invited to bring teams of teachers, administrators, community members, and partners to acquire information, resources and strategies to meet the AB101 Ethnic Studies high school graduation requirement for implementing an ethnic studies course before the 2025-26 school year.

November 2023

Ethnic Studies in Elementary Classrooms: How and Where to Begin

• November 8, 2023
• 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
• Los Angeles County Office of Education
• 12830 Columbia Way, Conference Room 606A, Downey, CA

Engage in a full day in-person workshop on November 8, exploring the intentional use of narrative children’s literature. Teachers will learn and practice how to select meaningful and accurate stories and create appropriate and impactful classroom activities re-centering underserved peoples, events, and issues that are often overlooked or underrepresented. The network of teachers will reconvene two more times (Jan. 25, March 14) for reflective collaboration, resource sharing, and personalized professional development.

December 2023

Intersectionality at Work: LGBTQ+ Support and Content in Ethnic Studies

• December 12, 2023
• 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
• Los Angeles County Office of Education
• 12830 Columbia Way, Conference Room 606A, Downey, CA

This training will enhance your knowledge and skills to be a champion for diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice through the intersection of LGBTQ+ individuals with ethnic studies. Participants will walk away with a toolbox of ideas to identify intersectional representation throughout LGBTQ+ history, including but not limited to people of different races, ability status, gender identities, and sexual orientation.

Ethnic Studies Resources:

• Ethnic Studies Adoption Toolkit: https://lacoepd.instructure.com/courses/552

Supporting African American Learners Resources:

• Training modules and resources: https://lacoepd.instructure.com/courses/587

Professional learning opportunities designed to open hearts and minds and support individual and system equity journeys.

• Implicit Bias: Take the Test: Research suggests that we all have biases. Do you?
• Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (JEDI) Community of Practice: Meet regularly with equity leaders throughout the county to workshop your equity problem of practice.
• Gifted and Talented Education leader Community of Practice: Meet regularly with GATE leaders throughout the county to sharpen your saw. 

Upcoming

Links to upcoming professional development and communities of practice will be shared here.

Ethnic Studies Resources:

• Ethnic Studies Adoption Toolkit: https://lacoepd.instructure.com/courses/552

Supporting African American Learners Resources:

• Training modules and resources: https://lacoepd.instructure.com/courses/587

Coming Soon

LGBTQIA+

The LGBTQIA+ acronym is used to encompass and acknowledge a diverse range of sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions. The acronym affirms the existence of various identities and experiences, fosters visibility and solidarity and celebrates the rich diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community. The LGBTQIA+ acronym stands for:

Lesbian

• A woman whose enduring physical, romantic, and/or emotional attraction is to other women.

Gay

• An adjective used to describe a person whose enduring physical, romantic, and/ or emotional attractions are to people of the same sex (e.g., gay man, gay people).

Bisexual

• An adjective used to describe a person who has the potential to be physically, romantically, and/or emotionally attracted to people of more than one gender, not necessarily at the same time, in the same way, or to the same degree.
• Also seen as Bi or Bi+

Transgender

• An adjective to describe people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. People who are transgender may also use other terms, in addition to transgender, to describe their gender more specifically.

Queer and/or Questioning

• Queer: An umbrella term used to describe a person whose sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression does not conform to dominant societal norms. This term describes people who are not exclusively heterosexual or are not cisgender. Historically, this term was a derogatory slur, but is often used as a positive term by LGBTQIA+ community. Typically, for those who identify as queer, the terms lesbian, gay, and bisexual are perceived to be too limiting and/or fraught with cultural connotations they feel do not apply to them.
• Question/Questioning: An adjective used by some people who are in the process of exploring their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Intersex

• An adjective used to describe a person with one or more innate sex characteristics, including genitals, internal reproductive organs, and chromosomes, that fall outside of traditional conceptions of male or female bodies.

Asexual

• An adjective used to describe a person who does not experience sexual attraction to others and/or lack of interest in sexual relationship/behavior (e.g., asexual person).
• +: in recognition of all non-heterosexual, non-cisgender identities

The LGBTQIA+ community is a diverse community that is united by the common goal of advocating for equal rights and protections for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression.

Check out the "Why Pronouns Matter" tab for more information on gender and prounouns

Source: GLAAD – Glossary of Terms: LGBTQ

LACOE is working towards creating an inclusive and affirming environment through education. We believe that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, valued, and treated with respect and dignity, and we hope that you will join us in celebrating and embracing diversity in all its forms.

Pronouns are an essential aspect of how we express ourselves and how we wish to be addressed by others. Using someone's pronouns is a way to respect their self-identified gender and affirm and validate their identity. It demonstrates empathy, understanding, a commitment to equality and contributes to a more inclusive and accepting society. Learn more about gender, sexual orientation and pronouns.

LGBTQIA+

The term LGBTQIA+ is an acronym that stands for:

• Lesbian
• Gay
• Bisexual
• Transgender
• Queerand/or Question
• Intersex
• Asexual
• + other identities

The LGBTQIA+ community is a diverse community that is united by the common goal of advocating for equal rights and acceptance for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation,gender identityand/or gender expression.

Gender Spectrum

One of the fundamental concepts within the LGBTQIA+ community is the gender spectrum. The gender spectrum is a way of understanding that gender is not binary, meaning that it is not just male or female. Instead, it is a continuum with many different identities, expressions, and experiences.

Some people identify as:

• Cisgender, which means that their gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth.
• Transgender, which means that their gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth.
• Non-binary, for people who do not identify as either male or female
• Genderfluid, for people who may identify as male, female, both, or neither at different times.

SOGIE

• Sexual Orientation: describes to whom a person is attracted.
• Gender Identity and Expression: describes the way in which a person identifies and/or expresses their gender.

Pronouns

Understanding and respecting gender pronouns is also incredibly important. Pronouns are the words we use to refer to someone when we are not using their name:

• Woman/girl: "she/her"
• Man/boy: "he/him"
• Gender-neutral: "they/them"
• Neopronouns:"ze/hir”

Using the correct pronouns is an essential part of respecting and affirming someone's gender identity. It'simportant to note that personal pronouns should not be assumed based on someone's appearance or gender expression. Therefore, it's crucial to ask individuals what their preferred pronouns are and to use them consistently.

Misgendering someone can be hurtful and invalidating, so taking the time to learn and use the correct pronouns is a crucial step in creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.

Resources:

• GLAAD – LGBTQ+ Resource List
• GLAAD – Glossary of Terms: LGBQT+
• The Trevor Project: – Resources
• Pronouns.org – What and Why
• Pronouns.org – Resources
• Human Rights Campaign – Pronouns 101

Supporting LGBTQIA+ Youth

At least 10 percent of California students in middle and high school grades identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex or Asexual (LGBTQIA+)1. Visibility, a sense of safety and belonging are essential aspects of inclusive learning and working environments where all students, families and staff see themselves as a part of their school, work and communities. Where all students feel loved and cared for. Where all students feel safe and welcome. 

According to the GLSEN 2019 National School Climate Survey, more than 86 percent of LGBTQ+ students experienced harassment or assault based on personal characteristics (such as sexual orientation, gender expression, perceived religion, actual or perceived race, ethnicity, or disability), and nearly a fifth of LGBTQ+ students reported changing schools due to feeling unsafe or uncomfortable at school. In February 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released results from its 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which showed high levels of violence, depression, and suicidal thoughts among lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth. According to the findings, more than one in five of these students reported attempting suicide in the year before the survey. At least 52 percent of teenagers who identified as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or questioning said they struggled with mental health.

LGBTQIA+ Discrimination

The LBGTQIA+ community triumphs over systemic discrimination by fostering inclusivity and celebrating diversity in all its vibrant forms. By embracing acceptance and understanding, we create a world where the potential for positive change is boundless, empowering individuals to thrive and reach their full potential.

The Importance of Allyship

Discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people is still a widespread issue, with many facing harassment, violence, and discrimination. By actively supporting and advocating for LGBTQIA+ individuals, allies can help to counteract the negative effects of discrimination. Allies can help create safe and welcoming environments for LGBTQIA+ people, promote understanding and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ identities, and advocate for policies and laws that protect and promote LGBTQIA+ rights. Additionally, allyship can help to build bridges between different communities and foster greater empathy and understanding.

As an ally, heterosexual and/or cisgender person may show support and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ people. Plural is allies. Being an ally involves active engagement and continuous learning to create inclusive spaces, challenge stereotypes and stand up against discrimination. Below are a few active steps you can take today to demonstrate allyship:

• Add your pronouns to your email signature.
• Share your pronouns when introducing yourself to new friends or colleagues.
• If you hear an anti-LGBTQIA+ comment or joke, be an upstander: speak up and explain why such comments or jokes are harmful and offensive.
• Integrate inclusive language into your regular conversations and interactions with family, friends, colleagues and strangers.
• Place a supportive symbol or sign in your office, home or on your vehicle. 

Source: Human Rights Campaign – Report: Being an LGBTQ+ Ally

Progress Pride Flag

The Progress Pride Flag was created in 2018 by nonbinary artist Daniel Quasar. The design includes black and brown stripes to represent LGBTQIA+ people of color, the colors pink, blue, and white to represent transgender people and an arrow pointing to the right to symbolize forward movement.

The Progress Pride flag is a powerful symbol of inclusivity and diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Watch Dr. Duardo’s Progress Pride Flag Video message here

Please find resources below to support you in providing safe learning environments that protect the health and safety of LGBTQ+ students:

Resources for Educators

The California Department of Education (CDE) provides instructional guidance, law and policies for local educational agencies to support LGBTQIA+ students and provide safe learning environments that protect the health and safety of LGBTQ+ students.

• See resource: https://www.cde.ca.gov/pd/ee/supportlgbtq.asp
• Los Angeles County-specific resources can be found here: https://www.cde.ca.gov/pd/ee/region11.asp

GLSEN has activities for all grade levels to help educators integrate LGBTQIA+ history, people and issues into their instructional programs.

• See resource: https://www.glsen.org/activity-list?program=All&type=98&topic=All&issue=All&grade=All

This toolkit can support youth-serving professionals, educators, and clinicians in ensuring that LGBTQ+ youth, especially youth of color, are affirmed and validated in their organizations.

• See resource: Creating Safer Spaces For LGBTQ Youth: A Toolkit for Education, Healthcare, And Community-based Organizations

This guide is geared toward the needs of all students, K-12, and incorporates distinctions and recommendations based on the specific ages and stages of students’ development.

• See resource: ACLU – Schools In Transition: A Guide for Supporting Transgender Students in K-12 Schools

Additional Resources

This brief uses data from The Trevor Project’s 2021 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health to examine the diversity of nonbinary youth.

• See resource: The Trevor Project Research Brief: Diversity of Nonbinary Youth

The Trevor Project: 2022-National Survey on LGBTQ Mental Health by State

LAUSD: Human Relations, Diversity, and Equity

Resources for Potential Challenges during Pride Month

National Association of School Psychologists (NASP): Responding to Civil Unrest in Schools: Prevention to Response

Anti-Defamation League: The Purpose and Power of Protest

Anti-Defamation League: Helping Students Make Sense of News Stories about Bias and Injustice

National Education Association: Defending the Freedom of our LGBTQ+ Students to be Themselves

Teach for America: Building Schools Where Students Are Free to Be Their Authentic Selves

CDE LGBTQ+ Resources for Region 11: https://www.cde.ca.gov/pd/ee/region11.asp